Professional Aide

Position Summary(Basic Job Function)

This is a temporary or an on-call position. Provides professional support. Responsibilities may include general business, science, medical, agricultural or other professional support functions. Term: Temps can work two (2) nine (9) month terms with a week break in service in between and at the end of the second term terminate for three (3) months or switch to an on-call. On-Call allowed to work 1039 hours in any twelve (12) month period.

Unit Position Summary

Michigan State University is hiring 3 technicians for a project collaborating with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources establishing new methods to estimate Upper Peninsula, MI wolf abundance. Estimating abundance of populations over large distances requires intensive personnel hours, resources, and funding. Remote camera deployments provide an efficient method to monitor populations for extended periods. This project aims to evaluate different camera-based abundance estimation models and establish methods for long-term monitoring of Michigan’s wolf population. Technicians will revisit ~1,200 cameras to collect/replace SD cards and batteries and will deploy new cameras as needed while adhering to strict protocols. Qualified applicants will have experience navigating to remote locations using GPS mapping systems, driving dirt roads using 4x4 trucks, and have meticulous attention to detail (in deployments and data entry). Position will begin July 9, 2025 and last until early/mid October.

Required Qualifications include:

• Ability to work in a team-oriented environment with project lead, other field technicians, and external collaborators.
• Excellent navigation skills using GPS devices such as Garmin GPS units, mobile devices (ArcGIS Field Maps & OnX), and physical maps.
• Experience safely navigating remote, dirt roads using 4x4 trucks.
• Meticulous detail collecting physical data and entering data into ArcGIS Survey123 and/or Excel.

Desired Qualifications

• B.S. degree in Wildlife Ecology, Conservation Biology, or closely related field.
• Remote camera experience (knowledge of settings & setup).
• Ability to camp in remote areas with little to no cell service for several days at a time.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

Curriculum vitae and cover letter describing how your training and experience meet the duties of this position

Work Hours

Non-standard hours will be 8, 10-hour work days with 6 off days

Website

www.canr.msu.edu/fw/

Summary of Physical Demands

Physical demands will be the capability to hike up to 10 miles daily and drive for up to 8 hours at a time.